Hello Stephen: Thanks very much for your very interesting description of the Mason's and their early influence in America. I am vaguely aware of some of this history but not of all of it. Conrad was an active Mason at Winchester, Frederick Co., VA during his life there. Information on him was seen at the Handley Library in Winchester. There are copies of Masonic publications from which I extracted the sketchy information that I have. Mason's were influential in Winchester which is apparent from the family names of some of the most prominent families in the area which were affiliated with one or another of the Masonic organizations. I am not a Mason nor am I very familiar with them. However, in my boyhood I clearly remember that membership in a Masonic organization was considered to be a step up the social ladder for young men. I have theorized that the success of my ancestor, Conrad Kremer, at Winchester, was probably largely due to his Rev. War military service in Von Heer's company, his German origins among the large Winchester German community, his literacy, and his Masonic affiliations. Conrad seems to have played his hand quite successfully and left an honorable legacy to his children, and substantial inheritances as well. Not bad for a former Hessian mercenary. To this day, there are Kremer descendants at Winchester. Thanks again for sharing information with me. All the best, Don Fehlings Renton, Washington, USA Tel: 425/255-8588 Dfehlings@aol.com